New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-15
LOSSSHARING.

LOcO-CHd
Mr.. Hewitt's proposition that his workmen
should take over and run his works may very
well serve as an introduction to phase of
the cooperative and proft-sharing methods
which has hitherto interfered seriously with
their application. Mr.. Hewitt pointed ont that
inasmuch as the works had latterly been run
at a loss, the first thing the men would have
to do if they took them would be to impose
upon themselves q reduction of wages. The
presumption is that this representation will be
enough to prevent the carrying out OF the CO.
operative scheme. for though worilngmen can
generally see clearly enough the desirability OF
sharing profits. they are disposed to draw back
when it is suggested that those who share the
profits of business must also share the losses.
Yet before fit-sharing or cooperation can
become an effective agency for the solution OF
labor problems. this side of the question will
have to be faced and dealt with practically.
The truth is that it is not a simple question.
but goes to the root Of nearly all the difficulties
which swarm about the relations between CAPT.
tai and labor For it involves just compre-
hcnsion OF the value. utility and necessity OF
those personal qualities which distinguish
successful from unsuccessful men everywhere
and under all conditions.
Every man who goes into business for him
self in so doing assumes greater responsible
ties and heavier risks than the man who works
for another The first must answer for every
thing himself. The second answers only for
his share in the work of an establishment.
The first must put himself in competition with
tho whole trade or line OF production in which
he is engaged must study the markets not
OILY of his country but the world. must calcu-
late not only certain and inevitable expenses
but casual and contingent ones. must be on
the alert to take instant advantage OF business
opportunities, must have the history Of his
raw material at his fingers ends must know
where 10 buy hest and cheapest must study
distribution as well as production. The second
has no anXieties or requirements outside the
narrow range Of his mechanical duties. His
income is steady and safe. He is far less sensi-
tive to the fluctuations Of the markets than
his employer He as a rule is so little in touch
with the industry by which he lives that when
crises happen and it becomes necessary to re-
duce wages nine times ont OF ten he jumps To
the conclusion that the reduction is the result
Of parSimony instead Of necessity. and so he
drifts into caamitous strikes If workingmen
undertake TO cooperate or to adopt profit
sharing. they must to some extont change
places with their emp oyers. They must learn
the absolute necessity for accepting the downs
a. well rs the ups of business. They must he
prepared to share the losses as well as tho
profits.
In no other way can they develop the quail
tiles which are required for success. In no
other way can they acquire habits Of steady
thrift ceaseess industry. patient application.
vigilant supervision, prcscience and era OF
the situation. and all these habits are indis-
pcnsablc. When wonSingmen say Zone for
all. all for one what do they mean Tho
motto is excellent II lived up to. Int It has not
been lived up 10 yet. 1t means that each man
must work for the good OF all rs for his own
good. That is The open secret Of success in
co operation. but it is not easy Of attainment.